Integrated Applicator, Vessel, and Applique Manipulator

ABSTRACT

An applique vessel for storing applique is described. The vessel includes: an interior surface; and an applique removal feature positioned along a portion of the interior surface. An applique vessel for storing applique includes: a body adapted to store applique; and a top comprising an application element, where the body and the top adapted to form a vessel if coupled, and the top is adapted to couple to the body via a compression fit. An applique system adapted to store and apply applique includes: a flexible body adapted to store applique; a top including an application element; and an applique removal feature positioned along a portion of the flexible body. An application element adapted to apply applique to a user includes: a frame having a particular shape; and a set of protuberances extending from the frame.

BACKGROUND

Makeup applicators are used for applying applique. Such applique mayhave various consistencies, viscosity, and/or other attributes. Usersmay want to apply the applique with an applicator that is loaded with adesired amount and consistency of applique. Current solutions mayprovide an applicator that does not allow for removal of excessapplique.

Many types of makeup, for instance mascara, may require a particularconsistency of applique on an applicator. Many current applicators mayprovide a consistency of applique that is thicker than desired,resulting in “clumping” that causes unsightly results after applying theapplique material.

Thus there is a need for an applicator and associated vessel that isable to conveniently and automatically remove excess applique withoutrequiring any additional user effort or external tools.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Some embodiments provide an applique vessel that includes various excessapplique removal elements (or manipulators). Such elements may bearranged in various different configurations, as appropriate. Differentembodiments provide differently shaped application elements. Suchelements may be shaped in various different ways, as appropriate. Someembodiments may provide a flexible (or squeezable) vessel such that auser may actively manipulate the amount of applique retained by anapplication element. Some embodiments may include a vessel with acompression fit top including an application element.

In one exemplary embodiment, an applique vessel for storing applique isprovided. The vessel includes: an interior surface; and an appliqueremoval feature positioned along a portion of the interior surface.

In another exemplary embodiment, an applique vessel for storing appliqueis provided. The vessel includes: a body adapted to store applique; anda top comprising an application element, where the body and the topadapted to form a vessel if coupled, and the top is adapted to couple tothe body via a compression fit.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, an applique system adapted to storeand apply applique is provided. The system includes: a flexible bodyadapted to store applique; a top including an application element; andan applique removal feature positioned along a portion of the flexiblebody.

In still another exemplary embodiment, an application element adapted toapply applique to a user is provided. The application element includes:a frame having a particular shape;

and a set of protuberances extending from the frame.

The preceding Summary is intended to serve as a brief introduction tosome embodiments of the invention. It is not meant to be an introductionor overview of all inventive subject matter disclosed in this document.The Detailed Description that follows and the Drawings (or “Figures” or“FIGs.”) that are referred to in the Detailed Description will furtherdescribe the embodiments described in the Summary as well as otherembodiments. Accordingly, to understand all the embodiments described bythis document, a full review of the Summary, Detailed Description andthe Drawings is needed. Moreover, the claimed subject matter is not tobe limited by the illustrative details in the Summary, DetailedDescription and the Drawings, but rather is to be defined by theappended claims, because the claimed subject matter may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth in the appendedclaims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of theinvention are set forth in the following drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates side and top views of an applicator and associatedvessel;

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional side and top view of a vessel accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates various excess applique removal features provided bysome embodiments of the vessel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates side and top views of a conceptual system includingan applicator and associated vessel according to an exemplary embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates side and top views of various applicator and vesselshapes according to exemplary embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a conceptual process used by someembodiments to allow placement of an optimal level of applique on anapplicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, numerousdetails, examples, and embodiments of the invention are set forth anddescribed. However, it will be clear and apparent to one skilled in theart that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth andthat the invention may be practiced without some of the specific detailsand examples discussed.

FIG. 1 illustrates side and top views of an applicator 120 andassociated vessel 130. Specifically, this figure shows an examplearrangement that may be used by some embodiments to facilitate removalof excess applique. As shown, the applicator 120 may include a wand 150extending from a handle coupled to an application element 160. The wand150 may have a first diameter and the applicator 160 may have a seconddiameter. The first diameter may be less than the second diameter, asappropriate. The vessel 130 may include a reservoir portion 140 (e.g., avolume that allows storage of mascara).

During operation, such an applicator 120 and vessel 130 may allow a userto insert a portion of the applicator element 160 and wand 150 into thereservoir portion 140 of the vessel 130. The user may then withdraw theapplicator element 160 and wand 150 such that the applicator element 160has retained some amount of material stored in the reservoir 140. Theretained material may then be applied to a user as appropriate (e.g., bybrushing mascara onto eyelashes of the user).

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the system of FIG.1 may be implemented in various different ways without departing fromthe spirit of the invention. For instance, different embodiments mayinclude different vessels of differing size, shape, dimension (e.g.,height, width, depth, radius, etc.), etc. As another example, variouselements of the system 100 may be provided in various differentcombinations (e.g., some embodiments may include a modified applicatorelement 160, other embodiments may provide a differently shaped vessel130, etc.).

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional side 200 and top view 210 of a vessel 220according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Specifically,this figure shows the potential positioning of various appliquemanipulators 230-240 provided by some embodiments. As shown, the vessel220 of some embodiments may include a first manipulator 230 (e.g.,positioned along the body of the vessel 220) and/or a second manipulator240 (e.g., positioned along the next of the vessel 220). Each of themanipulators may have an associated length 250 and width (or depth). Thewidth or depth of each manipulator may include a structural section 260and a manipulation section 270.

The structural section 260 may include various structural backingsand/or adhesives that may allow the structural section to be attached tothe vessel 220 in a secure fashion. The manipulation section 270 mayinclude various elements and/or features that may be adapted to removeexcess applique from the applicator of some embodiments.

In addition, as shown in the top view 210, the vessel 220 may include areservoir area 280 for storing applique material and a manipulator area290 that extends radially from the sides of the vessel 220 in someembodiments.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that although theapplicator vessel 220 has been described with reference to variousdetails, different embodiments may implement the vessel in variousdifferent ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Forinstance, different embodiments may include different elements ofdifferent dimension within the structural section 260 of someembodiments (e.g., adhesive layers of differing widths, support layerssuch as lattice structures (not shown), etc.). Such elements may be madeof various appropriate materials (e.g., metal, plastic, bristle, etc.).In addition, some embodiment may divide a manipulator into multiplesections, where each section may include a different manipulatorconfiguration.

FIG. 3 illustrates various excess applique removal features provided bysome embodiments of the vessel of FIG. 1. Specifically, the figure showstop 305, side 310, and front 315 views of the various removal featuresof some embodiments. As shown, the various features 320-0345 may includevarious shapes, sizes, lengths, orientations, etc. of elements.Different embodiments may be arranged in various different ways, asappropriate.

The examples of FIG. 3 are provided for illustrative purposes only andare not meant to be limiting in any way. The first example configuration320 may include a set of protuberances that are evenly spaced radiallyabout the vessel (as shown in view 305). Each protuberance may extendperpendicularly from the vessel wall (as shown in view 310). Inaddition, each protuberance may be viewed as a point extending out fromthe vessel wall (as shown in view 315).

The second example configuration 325 may include a set of protuberancesthat are evenly spaced radially about the vessel (as shown in view 305).Each protuberance may extend at an acute angle from the vessel wall (asshown in view 310). In addition, each protuberance may be viewed as anellipse extending out from the vessel wall (as shown in view 315).

The third example configuration 330 may include a set of protuberancesthat are evenly spaced radially about the vessel (as shown in view 305).Each protuberance may extend from the vessel wall (e.g., perpendicularto the wall, at an angle from the wall, etc.) and may include a “hook”tip, as is typical of a hook and loop type fastener, (as shown in view310). In addition, each protuberance may be viewed as an elongatedellipse extending out from the vessel wall (as shown in view 315).

The fourth example configuration 335 may include a set of protuberancesthat are evenly spaced radially about the vessel (as shown in view 305)to form a valve. Each protuberance may extend at an acute angle from thevessel wall and may include a generally flat surface (as shown in view310). In addition, each protuberance may be viewed as a rectangleextending out from the vessel wall (as shown in view 315).

The fifth example configuration 340 may include a set of generally roundshaped protuberances that are evenly spaced radially about the vessel(as shown in view 305) to form a valve. Each protuberance may extendfrom the vessel wall (e.g., perpendicular to the wall, at an angle fromthe wall, etc.) and may include a generally flat surface (as shown inview 310). In addition, each protuberance may be viewed as a rectangleextending out from the vessel wall (as shown in view 315). In such avalve each element may overlap one or more other elements, such that acentral passageway is bordered by each valve element.

The sixth example configuration 345 may include a set of generally roundshaped protuberances that are evenly spaced radially about the vessel(as shown in view 305) to form a valve. Each protuberance may extendperpendicularly from the vessel wall and may include a generally flatsurface (as shown in view 310). In addition, each protuberance may beviewed as a rectangle extending out from the vessel wall (as shown inview 315). In such a valve each element may be implemented in a layerthat may overlap another layer formed by other valve elements, such thata central passageway is bordered by the layers of valve elements.

Different embodiments may optimize the various types, dimensions,materials, etc. of the structures described in reference to FIG. 3 basedon various appropriate factors (e.g., type of material to be applied,applicator characteristics, etc.). For instance, the number ofprotuberances, the thickness of each protuberance (and/or rigidityand/or other appropriate physical characteristic of materials used),shape of each protuberance along a first set of dimensions (e.g.,elliptical, wedge or triangle shaped, flat layers of uniform thickness,angled layer, etc.), shape of each protuberance along a second set ofdimensions (e.g., elliptical, linear, polygonal, etc.), angle ofextension of protuberances (e.g., perpendicular to the vessel wall, atan angle to the wall, etc.) may vary among different embodiments. Inaddition, some embodiments may include different combinations ofstructures (e.g., alternating sections of a first configuration such asa set of bristles and a second configuration such as a set of valves).

FIG. 4 illustrates side and top views of a conceptual system 400including an applicator 420 and associated vessel 430 according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention. Specifically, this figure showsan example of a compression fit vessel and applicator. As shown, thevessel 430 may include an opening 450 that may be adapted to fit aparticular size and shape of wand (e.g., a wand having shape 460) andapplicator element (e.g., having shape 450.

Some embodiments may thus allow use of an applicator wand 420 and vessel430 that are able to be connected using a compression fit that does notrequire, for example, securing the wand to the vessel by continuouslyrotating the wand relative to the vessel (i.e., “screwing” the wand intothe vessel).

Some embodiments may provide a vessel (e.g., vessel 130, vessel 430,etc.) having a flexible body such that a user may squeeze the sides ofthe vessel during use. In this way, some embodiments may allow a user tocontrol the amount of applique retained by an application element whenthe element is inserted into and removed from the vessel. Such a vesselmay include various combinations of excess applique removal features, asappropriate. Thus, with a given set of applique removal features, a usermay be able to achieve various levels applique applied to theapplication element by varying the amount of pressure applied to thesides of the vessel while removing the application element from thevessel.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that compression fitembodiments such as system 400 may be implemented in various differentways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance,different specific shapes and/or sizes of opening, wand, applicator,vessel, etc. may be used, as appropriate.

FIG. 5 illustrates side 500 and top 510 views of various applicator andvessel shapes according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.Specifically, this figure shows various applicator shapes that may allowoptimized placement of applicated materials and/or use of suchmaterials. In addition, this figure shows various vessel shapes that maybe associated with the described applicator shapes in some embodiments.

As shown, an applicator 520 may include various wand types, shapes, etc.(not shown), and or various applicator elements 530 (e.g., elements540-570). Each specific applicator may be associated with a vessel thathas an opening 580 that may be associated with the applicator.

In addition, vessels used with some embodiments of system 500 mayinclude various elements described above in reference to FIG. 1-5 above(e.g., one or more manipulators, materials, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 5, different embodiments may include differently shapedapplication elements 530. For instance, some embodiments may provide anoval shaped application element 540, a differently-shaped oval element550, a “D”-shaped element 560, a teardrop shaped element 570, etc., asappropriate. Such shapes may allow optimum placement of applique. Theshape, size, dimension, etc. of the application elements may be based atleast partly on the material being applied. In some embodiments, varioussurfaces of each application element 530 may be sized and/or shaped tomatch various contours of a human face (e.g., eye radius, width, height,etc.), various characteristics of an associated applique (e.g.,viscosity, color, etc.), etc. Alternatively, some embodiments mayinclude a traditional application element (not shown), for exampleforming an arc with a set of radially protruding bristles.

Each application element may include a frame and a set of protuberances.The frame may typically include a section of rigid wire (and/or otherappropriate element) and each protuberance may be, for example, abristle.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a conceptual process 600 used by someembodiments to allow placement of an optimal level of applique on anapplicator. The process may begin, for instance, when an applicatorand/or vessel of some embodiments is made available to a user. As shown,the process may provide (at 610) an optimizing surface. Such a surfacemay be similar to those described in reference to FIGS. 2-3.

Next, process 600 may allow (at 620) a loaded applicator to contact theoptimizing surface. Such an applicator may include an element similar toapplicator element 160 described above in reference to FIG. 1 above.Process 600 may then allow (at 630) removal of excess applique (e.g., byallowing the applicator element 160 to be dragged across a manipulatorof some embodiments to facilitate distribution of remaining applique ina uniform fashion across an applicator if the loaded applicator isactuated along the optimizing surface).

For example, a user may remove an applicator (e.g., applicator 120) froma vessel (e.g., vessel 220), such that various bristles of anapplication element (e.g., element 160) of the applicator engage amanipulator of some embodiments (e.g., manipulator 230 or 240) in orderto remove excess applique from the applicator. Contact of theapplication element to the manipulator(s) may be at least partlydetermined, in some embodiments, by pressure applied to the exterior ofa vessel (e.g., a user may squeeze the sides of the vessel).

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that process 600 may beimplemented in various appropriate ways without departing from thespirit of the invention. For instance, a user may engage an applicationelement and manipulator in various appropriate ways. As another example,the various operations of process 600 may be implemented in variousdifferent orders (and/or various other operations may be added and/orvarious operations may be removed). As another example, differentembodiments may combine various distinct operations into a singleoperation, divide various single operations into multiple operations,and/or otherwise manipulate the operations performed. Likewise, varioussingle operations may be divided into multiple sub-operations. Asanother example, the process may be performed as a sub-process of alarger macro process and/or divided into multiple sub-processes, asappropriate.

While the invention has been described with reference to numerousspecific details, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatthe invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit of the invention. For example, several embodiments weredescribed above by reference to particular features and/or components.However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that otherembodiments might be implemented with other types of features andcomponents. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that theinvention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details,but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. An applique vessel for storing applique, the vesselcomprising: a body adapted to store applique; and a top comprising anapplication element, wherein the body and the top adapted to form avessel if coupled, and the top is adapted to couple to the body via acompression fit.
 2. The applique vessel of claim 1, wherein the bodyforms a rectangle with rounded edges along a first axis.
 3. The appliquevessel of claim 1, wherein the top comprises an application element. 4.The applique vessel of claim 1 further comprising an applique removalfeature positioned along a portion of an interior surface of the body.5. An applique system adapted to store and apply applique, the systemcomprising: a flexible body adapted to store applique; a top includingan application element; and an applique removal feature positioned alonga portion of the flexible body.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein theflexible body and the top are coupled via a compression fit.
 7. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the applique removal feature includes a setof protruding bristles.
 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the flexiblebody allows the applique removal feature to be positioned relative tothe application element, based at least partly on pressure applied tothe flexible body, during extractions of the top from the flexible body.9. An application element adapted to apply applique to a user, theapplication element comprising: a frame having a particular shape; and aset of protuberances extending from the frame.
 10. The applicationelement of claim 9, wherein the particular shape is an oval.
 11. Theapplication element of claim 9, wherein the particular shape is a “D”.12. The application element of claim 9, wherein the particular shape isa teardrop.